Exploring Upper Mustang’s rugged mountain biking routes
Cyclist riding through remote Himalayan paths in Upper Mustang
Mountain biking across the arid desert trails of Upper Mustang
Upper Mustang mountain biking adventure in Nepal
Adventure mountain biking in Upper Mustang Nepal

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Upper Mustang Mountain Biking - 14 Days

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Starting from

USD 2900/person
  • 1 personUSD 3800
  • 2-3 personsUSD 3100
  • 4-6 personsUSD 2900

Activity

Mountain Biking

Duration

14 Days

Difficulty

Challenging/Demanding

Arrival City

Kathmandu

Departure City

Kathmandu

Meals

13 breakfast, 10 Lunch, 11 Dinner

Accommodation

3 star hotels in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Guest House in other areas

Best Season

March, April, May, September, October, November

Upper Mustang Mountain Biking Highlights

  • Ride into the Forbidden Kingdom of Mustang, one of Nepal’s most remote and mystical regions

  • Conquer high-altitude passes over 4,000 meters, including Gyu La and Lo La

  • Explore the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang and the thousand-year-old sky caves

  • Tackle technical singletracks and rugged Himalayan terrain

  • Enjoy full support with guides, permits, flights, and optional bike rental

Overview of Upper Mustang Mountain Biking

The Upper Mustang Mountain Biking is a thrilling adventure that offers a perfect blend of culture, natural splendor, and challenge in the contrast of otherworldly desert-like terrain. Open for foreigners only in 1992, this forbidden kingdom of Upper Mustang has kept its culture almost intact, where you will feel time standing still.

Beginning your Upper Mustang mountain bike tour after taking a scenic drive from the vibrant streets of Kathmandu and the serene lakes of Pokhara, you will finally pedal the bike in the rainshadow valley from Muktinath onwards. Riding through the dramatic desert terrain, ancient Tibetan-style villages, and sacred sites like Muktinath and Lo Manthang, you will gain grip both on the handle and higher himalayas.

Crossing high mountains passes over 4,000 meters and descending singletracks through the Lubra Valley will let you experience the real thrill of cycling on the Upper Mustang biking route. Moreover, exploring centuries-old sky caves carved into cliff faces adds a touch of history to your journey.

With full vehicle support, experienced MTB guides, domestic flights, permits, and an optional full-suspension bike rental, the Upper Mustang Enduro offers an unbeatable combination of adrenaline, altitude, and authentic Himalayan culture.

Upper Mustang Mountain Biking Itinerary

1

For the exciting 14-day journey of Upper Mustang Biking, you will first arrive in Nepal via Tribhuvan International Airport. Our representative will be waiting for you at the airport terminal. Then, they will take you to designated hotels where you can unpack and take some rest. 

In the evening, you will attend the briefing session with other fellow riders. Our experienced guide team will provide a detailed briefing along with some safety protocols for safe mountain biking. You will review the itinerary together and learn about the routes and terrain difficulty. Before you leave for the hotel, we will arrange a welcome dinner where you can taste traditional Nepali food. Like this, your first day in Kathmandu, a city that effortlessly blends centuries of the past with contemporary life, ends. 

Dinner Included

2

The second day of your journey starts with a scenic road drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara which will take around 7 hours.  After arrival at the city of lakes, Pokhara, the stunning panorama of the Annapurna massifs and Machhapuchre greets you. Today is all about pre-preparation and warming up before tackling more difficult trails from tomorrow onwards. 

You can spend your afternoon leisurely walking on the lakeside or exploring some of the major highlights of Pokhara, like Peace Pagoda, Davis Fall, etc. While exploring the beautiful city, don't forget to check on your gear and equipment. 

Breakfast Included

3

Leaving Pokhara behind, you will fly to Jomsom in the early morning. This beautiful place lies in the middle of the rain-shadowed Kali Gandaki valley at an elevation of 2,743 m. Even though the flight is short, however, the sight of massive Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri mountains framing the gateway to Upper Mustang is totally incredible. You will finally gear up and hit the trail on a bike for your Upper Mustang biking route from Muktinath. 

After a cultural tour of the divine temple complex, you will descend into the mystical Lubra Valley on singletrack trail, conquering the thrilling trail scattered with fluttering prayer flags and old mani stones. The ride features boulder descents and river crossings, and possesses breathtaking panoramic views of fantastic cliffs and rolling desert-like landscapes. As you take the descent route, you will finally reach your destination, Kagbeni. This ancient village is like a time-warp gateway between lower Nepal and far-off Upper Mustang.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

4

Today will be an exciting day as you will enter the inner Upper Mustang. However, you will have to cope with the mixed terrain today, which can be quite challenging. The steep gravel roads, followed by uphill sections, may require you to get off the bike and push your bike while hiking. The slow and steady effort while crossing Guy La Pass(4077 m) will offer you stunning scenery. 

Soaking in the natural beauty, now you will take a ride down the pass that opens first into narrow valleys and later widens to the windy plateaus. As you are riding the path of the plateaus, you will reach a village called Ghami. This village is best known for the bright red cliffs and rows of old mani stones that are carved with prayers. The bare hills contrasting with the red cliffs made out of sedimentary rocks add their own uniqueness to the landscape. Moreover, the rough and raw terrain with prayer walls and sacred marks uplifts the spiritual essence of the upper Mustang. 

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

5

Moving from Ghami, you will come across more of the arid landscapes of the upper Mustang. As you peddle your bike, you will pass by rolling desert hills and sparse vegetation adapted to dry and harsh conditions. Progressing with the day, you will be awed as you find yourself between the dramatic canyon walls that rise steeply around you. 

The bike ride will be quite challenging since you have to tackle some sections of singletrack trails and rough jeep roads. However, incredible views of the remote villages that weave in the traditional Tibetan style make up for today’s difficult ride. The quick glimpses of chortens, mani walls, and monasteries against the raw landscapes add spiritual richness to your biking tour. 

After riding on two wheels on the rough high desert terrain for hours, you will finally reach the quiet village of Charang, resting at 3,560 m. When you reach Charang, you will be captivated by the history and tradition this place holds. Every old building, monastery, and narrow path echoes the ancient culture as if they are sharing some story about the region with you. When you finally witness the striking red monastery glowing after the lights of sunset with your own eyes, every difficulty in this tour feels worthwhile.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

6

During the first phase of biking, you will make a moderate ascent to the top of the Lo Manthang Pass(3,950 m). As you reach the top, you will have an expansive view of the Lo Manthang far below. The whitewashed-walled city looks like a precious gem that is embraced by the whole rugged Himalayan desert. 

After soaking in the incredible views, you will descend through open, windswept plains until you reach Lo Manthang. The whitewashed homes, narrow alleyways, and royal places feel untouched by time. Arriving at Lo Manthang, you will spend the rest of the day exploring and relaxing for tomorrow. You can visit the Monkhar palace, the Thupchhen monastery, the Chhoden monastery, Jhyampal monastery, which are key highlights within the walls of Lo Manthang. These ancient buildings not only show history but also offer people a deep connection with their roots. 

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

7

After being fascinated by the culture and history preservation of Lo Manthang, today you will be more fascinated by the sky caves in Chhoser. Since the trail to Choser has some technical terrain, you will have to pedal and dismount to tackle those sections. You will ride your bike on flat and smooth trails; however, you will have to get off your bike and hike in some steep and rocky sections.  

During the last leg of the day, you will retrace your path back to Lo Manthang riding your bike on the technical singletrack route. With sweeping views of the dramatic landscapes of Upper Mustang, you will breathe in fresh mountain air during your return to Lo Manthang. 

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

8

After exploring the walled capital, today you will traverse deeper into the remote and less-traveled areas of Upper Mustang. As you continue the ride, your eyes will come across the wide plateaus with open and expansive views. Moreover, the track through the narrow ridgelines later opens up to canyons that were carved by wind over centuries before arriving at Dhigaon. 

Once you reach the picturesque village of Dhigaon(3800 m), it gives you an immense feeling of tranquility and solidarity against the dry high-desert scenery. The beauty of this place feels raw and timeless. 

Even though today’s ride can test your bike handling skills and attention to the technical and challenging sections, the unforgettable experience in one of the most remote and peaceful corners of the Himalayas is totally worth every effort.  

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

9

Today might be the most exciting yet challenging day of your entire Upper Mustang Biking tour. Riding down the high mountain plateau, you will now follow the narrow trails that connect you to the ridgelines. Tackling these rocky passes and winding canyon edges can be quite technical; however, with good spirit and focus, you can easily complete the technical and challenging section. 

Riding on these technical sections will not only reward you with incredible views but also give you a feeling of accomplishment and discovery when you saddle up against the wild landscapes, which are far from the usual paths. 

After such an exhausting day of biking, you will rest your day at the picturesque village of Tange. The narrow village lanes and the traditional mud-brick houses show the way of living in the remote high mountains. Moreover, the prayer wheels spinning in the mountain breeze offer an ideal atmosphere to soak in the beauty and culture of the region. 

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

10

Starting your days with an early morning ride, you will follow the scenic route back to the Charang village. Even if the ride will be moderate, you will be bestowed with mesmerizing mountain surroundings once more. Arriving at Charang, you will have a hearty meal and relax for some time before taking a comfortable vehicle to Muktinath. 

Muktinath is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Nepal, visited by both Hindus and Buddhists. Its quiet and spiritual atmosphere is a peaceful contrast to the physical activity of the past few days.

You’ll have the evening free to rest, explore the area if you like, or simply sit and reflect on all that you’ve experienced so far. As you prepare for the final part of your journey, Muktinath offers a calm and meaningful space to pause and take it all in.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

11

Today's trail takes you slightly closer to Gangapurna, following the trail that requires biking onto the ridge. The way from Muktinath into the Lubra valley has some steady sections and some difficult sections that require pushing. No matter the difficulty of the ride, you will feel as if you are in the lap of the mountains. Now, taking the descent on the single track, you will finally enter the Lubra Valley. Riding your two-wheels on the section of jeep track and climbing some sections, you will finally get the first glimpse of Dhumba Lake. 

As you reach the Lake area, you will pause to take in the peaceful vibe of the Dhumba Lake. This place is a quiet haven perfect for relaxing and capturing beautiful photos of the serene surroundings. From there, you will descend through lush forests and pass through small rural towns, which will gradually lead you towards Marpha.

Known for its apple orchards, stone-paved streets, and peaceful charm, Marpha offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It's the ideal place to relax and reflect as your adventure nears its end, surrounded by the timeless beauty and culture of the Himalayas.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

12

After getting good sleep yesterday at Marpha, you will be refreshed and replenished enough for today's adventure. So after a hearty breakfast, you will pedal your bike towards the serene Titi Lake. This alpine lake is situated at 2600 m above sea level and surrounded by pine forests and traditional mountain settlements, offering you a peaceful retreat after biking for hours. With great views of the tranquil lake, you will make an easy descent through the thick forest of the lush green valleys to reach Tatopani. 

Known for the hot water spring in Tatopani, you cannot miss out on soaking and relaxing in the hot water. The warmth of hot water is sure to take your exhaustion away from long days of biking. 

The ride to Tatopani will be the last time you will be peddling your bike on the Upper Mustang Enduro biking tour. Now you will be escorted back to Pokhara with a scenic and comfortable vehicle ride. After spending many days in the remote area, the vibrant and lively setting of Pokhara may feel luxurious to you. You can stay by the Phewa Lake and reflect on all the adventures. 

Breakfast & Lunch Included

13

Today, you will be retracing your path back to Kathmandu, where you will be greeted with the calm yet chaotic city life. After taking a short and scenic flight back from Pokhara, you can spend the rest of the day as you like. 

Some of you may love strolling around Thamel to collect souvenirs, while some of you may prefer exploring the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kathmandu. After spending your afternoon wisely in Kathmandu, you will gather together for a farewell dinner in the evening. This is the perfect time to share your biking stories over delicious meals and drinks. 

Breakfast & Dinner Included

14

After spending more than a week in the hidden gem of Nepal, Upper Mustang, you will be heading home today. Before heading to the airport, you can have a relaxed breakfast, thinking about all the incredible moments you have had in the Upper Mustang biking tour. 

Even though your tour is ending, you have collected unforgettable memories of exploring the forbidden kingdom, crossing formidable passes, and unwinding the desert-like Himalayan terrain. Goodbye for now, but hope to see you soon. 

Breakfast Included

    Upper Mustang Mountain Biking Includes

    • All Airport Transfers

    • Fully Qualified Mountain Bike Guide

    • Full Vehicle Support

    • All meals as per the itinerary

    • All accommodation as per the itinerary

    • All permits and Entry Fees

    • Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit (500$ USD Per Person)

    • All Domestic Flights as mentioned in the itinerary

    • Full Suspension mountain bike

    • Duffel bag

    Upper Mustang Mountain Biking Excludes

    • International Airfare and taxes

    • Travel Insurance with rescue and emergency evacuation

    • Nepal Entry visa (Visa is obtained in Nepal Airport immigration on arrival. USD 25 per visa for 15 days, USD 40 per visa for 30 days, and USD 100 per visa for 90 days. All the visas are multiple-entry visas. Please carry 02 passport-sized photograph

    • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu & Pokhara

    • All items of a personal nature, like telephone bills, laundry, drinks, etc.

    • Items such as hot water for shower/drinking, Mobile phone and camera charging, etc, will be extra during the trek, which can be paid to the tea house/lodge owner directly.

    • Tipping for to guide, porter, and driver

    • Any other item that is not mentioned in the Cost includes list.

    Upper Mustang Mountain Biking - 14 Days (Map) & Route Details

    Everest base camp trek

    Essential Packing List for Upper Mustang Mountain Biking

    • Moisture soaking base layers
    • Short-sleeved and long-sleeved cycling tops
    • Convertible padding cycling shorts(enough to last at least 5 rides)
    • Bike gloves (3 pairs recommended)
    • Cycling shoes(Flat or Clipless)
    • Chain oil(All-weather one)
    • Pair of Brakepad
    • Bike Spare parts( Derailleur,chain,hanger)
    • Biking glasses
    • Biking socks
    • Warm hat and non-biking gloves for cold weather
    • Head torch in case of for early starts or emergencies

    Is Upper Mustang Cycling Suitable for Me?

    Embarking on the Upper Mustang mountain biking tour is not for everyone. You cannot just pack your bag and start hitting the trail. You need reasonable physical fitness and mental endurance to overcome the technical and challenging sections of the Upper Mustang biking route. Moreover, gaining some prior high altitude biking experience can be a great help in this journey. 

    Apart from challenging terrain, cycling at high altitude can be another difficult factor for this adventure. However, with a good level of physical fitness, right preparation and reasonable biking skills, you can definitely ace the Himalayas of the Upper Mustang. 

    What Are Foods and Accommodations Like in Upper Mustang Biking?

    You will be staying at the teahouses during this 14 day journey. Most teahouses will offer you basic to moderate levels of services. You will get twin sharing rooms which you may need to share with other fellow riders. These teahouses will offer you additional services like hot showers, charging electronics, WiFi etc. However, you have to pay an extra amount apart from accommodation to avail these services. 

    When it comes to food options, you will have a wide variety of foods. You can eat staple Daal Bhaat Tarkari, momo, thukpa etc. With great influence of Tibetan culture in these regions, you may find many Tibetan foods like Tibetan Breads, Tsampa etc. 

    What is the Best Time for Mountain Biking on Upper Mustang

    Like any other mountain biking adventure, spring(March and May) and autumn(September to November) are considered favorable times for embarking on the Upper Mustang biking journey. The mild temperature with clear views allow you to enjoy biking more than ever. Moreover, being the rainshadow area of Nepal Upper Mustang is also perfect for monsoon mountain biking. 

    What Permits I Need to Obtain for the Upper Mustang Biking Tour?

    You will need 3 permits to complete the Upper Mustang biking tour.

    • Trekkers Information System Card (TIMS)
    • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
    • Restricted Area Permit(RAP)

    FAQs section

    The Upper Mustang Mountain Biking Tour is an exhilarating adventure through the remote and stunning landscapes of the Upper Mustang region in Nepal. It combines challenging biking trails with cultural experiences.

    The best time to go for Upper Mustang cycling is spring(March to May) and autumn(September to November). It is absolutely possible to explore the upper Mustang in the monsoon, as this area lies in the rain shadow.

    For this upper mustang enduro biking, you need a moderate to advanced level of biking skills, as you will be tackling some of the technical and rugged terrains. Moreover, we advise you to gain some experience beforehand for biking.

    You can opt for any sturdy mountain bike with good suspension, preferably with disc brakes. You can either rent or buy these bikes here in Nepal.

    Yes, you can bring your own bike but it can be quite expensive. Instead of that you can choose to rent or hire the bike here in Nepal. You can hire a full suspension mountain bike for USD 60 to 70 per bike per day

    Travel insurance may not be mandatory but it is definitely one of the essentials in your Upper Mustang Mountain biking tour. You never know what happens in the high Himalayas. So, it is always better to be on the safe side by getting insured with travel insurance.

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